Degree API

Definition - What does Degree API mean?

Degree API is the measure of the density of a petroleum liquid in relation to the density of water. It is the crude oil quality standard adopted worldwide by organizations that deal with crude oil. It is considered as one of the important factors in deciding the price of various varieties of crude oil. Degree API is also known as API Gravity of crude oil.

Petropedia explains Degree API

The most commonly used unit for indicating oil quality is Degree API. It helps in deciding the category of crude oil on the basis of its density and thus, decides the price of the crude oil in the index.

If the Degree API of crude oil is greater than 45, it is considered as extra light crude oil.

If the Degree API of crude oil is between 33 and 45, it is considered as light crude oil.

If the Degree API of crude oil is between 22 and 33, it is considered as medium crude oil.

If the Degree API of crude oil is between 10 and 22, it is considered as heavy crude oil.

If the Degree API of crude oil is 10 or below, it is considered as extra heavy crude oil.